Duty to God

You'd think after two years of saying goodbye things would get easier. It still hurts just as bad. Something about lowering your pen and placing a period on the page is fundamentally painful. One thing I have learned from all these farewells is that while the conclusion is sad and hurts an awful lot, it becomes an opportunity to write the next line and continue the story. Often you find old characters who come back into your narrative, becoming even more dear to you then before. Those are truly joyful times that make our stories rich and worthwhile.  That being said, I'd like to tell you the story of my mission.  In April 2017, a young man arrived at his grandparents home in the gorgeous forests of Vancouver Island. He awaited a wonderful few weeks, working for his grandfather-but mostly relaxing and adventuring. It was to be a great vacation.  Prior to leaving, he was invited by his bishop to read the Book of Mormon, looking for references to repentance. ...

Heyyy fam. This week has honestly been quite the emotional roller-coaster.  Most of the time the work doesn't feel much different than usual, I'm kinda trying to ignore the impending conclusion to the greatest time of my life. However, occasionally the mission slaps me in the face and I realize how short my time here really is. This week definitely had some of those.  There are also times in missionary work that make it all worth it, when you see people change, families unite, and Jesus Christ manifests His love with great majesty. In other words, moments when we "are brought to sing redeeming love, and this because of the power of his word". Those are the times that we have, "great reason to rejoice" (Alma 26:13). This week had some of those times as well.  On Friday we had Zone Conference, which was the last zone conference. There is honestly no way to prepare for that. They have you give a departing testimony, and I definitely crie...

Ayyyyyye.  It's been another great week for the books! Jane has taken to calling us her Scottish(Me)/Irish(Koyle) Brats lately. She informed us this week that Brats is actually an acronym for Beloved Religious And Teacher. Funny lady.  Speaking of Jane, we gave her the stop smoking workshop on Tuesday, and she hasn't smoked since! She's on track to be baptized on the 16th, and I'm thrilled. AND SHIRLEY GOT DUNKED!  I love her. She's honestly so prepared, it's been such a privilege to teach her. Hopefully I'll get to go to the temple with her before I go home.  I'm just so thankful for the time I've had out here. The mission is the greatest experience I've ever had. I know that this is the work of Almighty God. I love my Savior, and will always be grateful for this chance to serve Him with my whole soul.  Godspeed.  Elder Housholder Pics:  1. This is where I go to Pyle.  2-3. Shirley!!! Oh boy. Shoutout...